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Onalaska fire chief hoping to keep wreath to just one red light, as part of annual campaign

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One red light glows on wreaths at area fire departments.

The “Keep the Wreath Green” campaign hopes to keep it that way, raising awareness of fire dangers during the holidays.

Onalaska Fire Chief Billy Hayes warned of all the fire dangers that occur only during the holidays — like lights on your roof, a tree in your living room, multiple plugs into one outlet. He also mentioned how it’s not easy fighting fires this time of year.

“We have to take extra precautions to wear additional thermal layering, to make sure that we stay warm while we’re outside,” Hayes said. “Obviously, slip hazards become a present for us because of the water being flowed, being leaked out of the hoses, out of the pumps.”

The one red light so far represents a fire that took place in La Crosse last weekend.

La Crosse, La Crescent, Onalaska and Campbell fire departments have wreaths for the eighth annual campaign. Every time a fire is reported within those four departments, another red light will glow.

Born in Decorah Iowa. I've been a news reporter for the last 10 years, starting right out of college in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Other professional opportunities led me to Marshalltown, Iowa and Antigo Wisconsin, before I finally was afforded the opportunity here in La Crosse. I've been here since 2016. I also act as the voice of local sports, doing play by play of high school and college football and basketball. When not working I enjoy golfing.

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